Despite the growing confidence from Villa’s five-game unbeaten run—form that saw them entering Saturday’s game as arguable favorites, even if they only scored five goals in those five games—Villa was well beaten by the home team when forced to play most of the game with only ten men. Kieran Richardson was sent off for a studs-up tackle on Stephane Sessegnon that manager Paul Lambert later conceded was a clear red card.

On Facebook, I saw one supporter lay the blame for the sending-off squarely at Lambert’s feet, for not having prepared Richardson well enough for the crackling derby atmosphere. First of all, it was hardly crackling. Secondly, when players make game-changing mistakes, it is extraordinarily frustrating, but shouldn’t a large portion of the blame lie with the players? Never mind that Lambert has so few to choose from.

Other than the weariness that comes from watching a loss against a beatable team, knowing you’re up against an expensively assembled side in a week, it was a pleasant enough morning at the Globe. Brian brought his two charming daughters (who were welcomed into the Chicago Lions Club by Simon) and I managed to score some good reading recommendations from Nick. And now I’m off to finally listen to that Tom Fox interview to see what everyone else is arguing about. Any two Villans have three opinions among them, and perhaps I’ll add a fourth.